Apply For a DS ACT Grant

DS ACT GRANT PROGRAM APPLICATIONS

Mini-Grants

The purpose of the Down Syndrome Association of Connecticut (DS ACT) Mini-Grant Program is to fund projects that promote opportunity, equity and inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome and their families by promoting civil rights for individuals with Down syndrome, promoting positive public awareness of Down syndrome or providing support to individuals with Down syndrome and their families.  Applications are reviewed 3 times per year with submission due dates of January 15, April 15, and October 15.

DS ACT is especially supportive of the following types of projects:

  • Educate parents about their rights and responsibilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the specific procedures to defend those rights through due process
  • Improve parent communications or public relations between school and community
  • Facilitate community-based adult living through direct supports, transportation services or other means
  • Provide education and training to parents in effective educational methods or therapies
  • Create or enable employment in the community
  • Enable participation in community or school social or recreation activities
  • Other innovative projects consistent with the DS ACT Mission

Grants are limited to $500 each, and the project must directly benefit an individual or individuals with Down syndrome.  A DS ACT member must sponsor the project by submitting a written statement on the importance and need for the project, as well as being responsible for the completion of the project.  An effort must be made to publicize the grant in a local newspaper with a copy of the article sent to the DS ACT.  Any books, equipment etc. purchased with the funds must display the DS ACT label (provided with the grant).

A project status report is required 12 months after project inception.

Email info@mydsact.org for an application

Camp Grants

DS ACT distributes annual grants of up to $500 to help pay for overnight summer camp for individuals with Down Syndrome.   The grants are available to current members of DS ACT only and are made on a first-come, first-served basis until annually-budgeted funds are exhausted.

Sunshine Grants

Send a Ray of Sunshine to a friend or loved one with Down syndrome who is facing an extended hospital stay! 

Send an email to our Sunshine Committee, telling them who is in the hospital, where they are, a brief description of why, along with contact information.  We will deliver a gift, a card or make a visit, depending on the family’s needs.

  *We make this benefit available to ANY Connecticut family that lives with Down syndrome, but priority is given to DS ACT members.